Season Watch

Yes, but why is your face like that? An ode to the American Woodcock

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Julia Schrenkler opine about the weird and endearing American Woodcock, a love of strange science, and much more.Send us a voice memo throug

Turns out Great Horned Owls can hunt Great Blue Herons

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell gripe about buckthorn, learn about hummingbirds, and consider the healing effects of forests.Send us a voice memo through Speak

Mourning cloak and comma butterflies bed down for a long winter

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 29, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on overwintering butterflies, changing colors, and hummingbirds.

When mushrooms bleed blue

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell converse about mushrooms, angry squirrels, and go off on tangents.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Parasitoid wasps are a big bummer (and have one too)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell chat about Darwin, monarch butterflies, and the decline (and hope) of birds.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

Hummingbirds depart as fall color begins

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 15, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discovers Nevada flora and fauna and notes seasonal transitions in Northern MN.

Chickadees and chimpanzees: Two geeks gab about the joy of science

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff geek out about primatology, evolution, and fantastic teachers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

What's the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck?

Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss detailed observations, the joy of pursuing a snake, and the calming sound of nature names.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe

Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.

Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.

Bear hands are better than bare hands for climbing trees, eating ants

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan enjoy learning about hungry black bears with Andy Tri, DNR bear biologist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.

Immerse yourself in nature (and, possibly, a pile of ants)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the behavior of a wasp and discuss John Latimer's party tricks.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

The subtle changes towards autumn with John Latimer

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders.

Transforming toads: How American toads shift hues in different environments

Co-hosts Jennifer Barr and Charlie Mitchell discuss toads, marvel at kestrels, and ponder the changing seasons.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

A hungry kestrel family strikes fear into the hearts of grasshoppers

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 11, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Red-eyed Vireos, blooming flowers, and Carolina grasshoppers.

Introducing the little goblin moonwort

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discover goblin ferns (also known as goblin moonworts), gaze at snapping turtles, and discuss what it means to be a naturalist.

Early August has glimpses of the autumn ahead in Northern Minnesota

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 4, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries and nuts and caterpillars turning into butterflies.

Wild bergamot provides oasis for butterflies and hummingbirds

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 27, 2026. Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries, budding flowers and a bear visitor.

How does a fisher weasel its way inside a live tree to build a nest?

This week, Heidi Holtan learns all about Minnesota's largest resident weasel: the American Fisher! Plus, listeners remark on grouse and vultures and campers rock out.Send